Torch, Spring/Summer 2011

18 TORCH | Spring–Summer 2011 Viewpoints SLAVOLJUB PANTELIC | ISTOCKPHOTO Redeeming the Time by John Gredy, Ed.D. Today was a long day . It began with a 7 a.m. regional leadership team meeting for my church at Bob Evans and finished with a house church small group meeting in my home from 6–9 p.m. After a quick cleanup and some needed downtime with my wife, it was time for bed so I could be rested for my 7 a.m. breakfast meeting the next morning. Ever had a day like this? There are times when I think I am nearing “the edge” because there is so much going on in my work, family, and church. The more I think about the relationship between work and rest, the more I realize there will never be fewer things to do in life. I feel the tension between my desire to give 100 percent in whatever I do while preserving a rhythm of work and rest. I have learned that managing my time and focusing my priorities help me maintain that balance. Work Is a Gift Work is not the antithesis of rest — it, too, can be enjoyable and fulfilling. But we can be consumed by our work, giving it a more central place in our lives than God desires. When we are intentional in our approach, work can actually create more time for rest and balance in all facets of our lives.